A Guide to Catalyst Materials and Precious Metal Recovery in Canada
Catalyst materials play a critical role in emissions control, industrial processing, and chemical manufacturing. Many of these components contain valuable platinum group metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
Understanding the differences between DOC, SiC, SCR, foils, and sensors is essential if you are involved in catalyst recycling or selling industrial precious metal scrap in Canada.
This guide explains each material type, how it functions, and why it may hold significant value.
What Is a DOC Catalyst?
DOC stands for Diesel Oxidation Catalyst.
A DOC catalyst is commonly used in diesel engines to reduce harmful emissions by oxidizing carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water.
What Is a DOC Catalyst?
- Heavy-duty trucks
- Construction equipment
- Agricultural machinery
- Industrial diesel generators
Why DOC Catalysts Have Scrap Value
DOC catalysts typically contain platinum and palladium coatings on a ceramic or metallic substrate. The precious metal loading determines the overall scrap value.
For catalyst recycling in Canada, DOC units are evaluated based on:
- Weight
- Precious metal concentration
- Current platinum and palladium prices
What Is SiC (Silicon Carbide)?
SiC stands for Silicon Carbide.
In catalyst systems, SiC is often used as a substrate material in diesel particulate filters due to its high thermal resistance and durability.
Why SiC Matters in Recycling
Silicon carbide itself does not contain precious metals, but it often supports platinum group metal coatings.
In industrial catalyst recycling, identifying SiC substrates helps determine:
- Refining method
- Precious metal recovery potential
- Material classification
Understanding whether the substrate is cordierite or SiC affects processing decisions.
What Is an SCR Catalyst?
SCR stands for Selective Catalytic Reduction.
SCR catalysts are used to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions in diesel engines and industrial exhaust systems by injecting diesel exhaust fluid.
Common SCR Applications
- Transport trucks
- Marine engines
- Power generation plants
- Industrial emission systems
Do SCR Catalysts Contain Precious Metals?
Unlike DOC catalysts, SCR systems primarily use base metal catalysts such as vanadium, titanium, or zeolite structures. However, some industrial SCR configurations may include platinum group metals depending on the application.
Accurate identification is essential when selling SCR catalyst scrap in Canada.
What Are Catalytic Converter Foils?
Catalytic converter foils are thin metallic sheets used inside certain high-performance or industrial catalytic systems.
These foils are often coated with:
- Platinum
- Palladium
- Rhodium
Because of their high metal concentration and uniform structure, industrial foils can have substantial value per pound.
In Canada’s precious metal recycling market, foil scrap is evaluated based on:
- Metal percentage
- Gross weight
- Live spot pricing
- Refining yield
What Are Oxygen Sensors and Catalyst Sensors?
Oxygen sensors, also known as O2 sensors, monitor oxygen levels in exhaust gases to ensure optimal combustion and emissions performance.
Some sensors contain small amounts of platinum due to its conductive and catalytic properties.
Do Oxygen Sensors Have Scrap Value?
Individually, oxygen sensors contain small quantities of precious metals. However, bulk quantities from auto recyclers or scrap yards in Canada may justify recovery.
When assessing oxygen sensor scrap value, buyers consider:
- Quantity
- Metal recovery potential
- Processing feasibility
Why Understanding Catalyst Materials Matters
Different catalyst materials contain different levels of recoverable platinum group metals.
Accurate identification ensures:
- Fair market pricing
- Proper refining method
- Maximum recovery value
- Transparent transactions
Catalyst Material Buyers in Canada
Converter King works with:
- Scrap yards
- Auto recyclers
- Industrial facilities
- Fleet operators
- Refineries
With over 30 years of experience in catalytic converter and precious metals markets, we provide transparent, market-based pricing tied directly to live platinum, palladium, and rhodium values.
We help Canadian businesses properly evaluate DOC catalysts, industrial foils, sensors, and other emissions materials.